Geschnetzeltes (Creamy German Hunter’s Sauce)

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One of my very favorite dishes growing up in Germany, my Mutti and Oma both excelled at making Geschnetzeltes, a traditional dish consisting of strips of pork cooked with onions and mushrooms in a luxuriously creamy sauce.  Hands down, this dish defines the very essence of German comfort food!

Serve this German Geschnetzeltes over hot homemade Spätzle, with Semmelknödel or Kartoffelklösse, and get ready to fall in love!

What is Geschnetzeltes?  

Geschnetzeltes (prounounced geh-shnet-sel-tess) is German for “sliced meat” and refers to a sauce consisting of sliced meat cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce.  The meat is cooked in a skillet with butter or oil until browned, onions and mushrooms are sauteed, and cream and seasonings are added to make a sauce.  The sauce is usually served with Spätzle, Semmelknödel, Kartoffelklöße, egg noodles or potatoes.  It’s a quick and easy dish to make and is thoroughly delicious comfort food.  Geschnetzeltes is a traditional and popular dish throughout Germany and Switzerland though there are differences between the two versions (more on that below).

German Geschnetzeltes vs Zürcher Geschnetzeltes 

Both versions share the commonality of sliced meat that’s browned and simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce but there are also some significant differences between the German and Swiss versions.  One key difference is the choice of meat.  Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, also known as Zürich Ragout, traditionally uses veal while German Geschnetzeltes uses pork.  Another distinction is that the German version is creamier and richer in texture whereas the Swiss version uses white wine and broth to create a thinner sauce.  Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is commonly served with Rösti, the Swiss version of Kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes).

I enjoy both versions but my favorite will always be the luxuriously rich and creamy German Geschnetzeltes that reminds me so much of home.  And for me, Spätzle is definitely the accompaniment of choice.

What to Serve with Geschnetzeltes

Geschnetzeltes is a creamy sauce meant to be served with a carb.  Here are a few serving recommendations:

• Spätzle
• Semmelknödel
• German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelklöße)
• Egg Noodles
• Boiled or Mashed Potatoes
• Kartoffelpuffer (this is how the Swiss commonly serve Geschnetzeltes, their version known as Rösti)

Along with your carb of choice, other side dishes that pair well with Geschnetzeltes include:

• Leafy Green Salad
• German Cucumber Salad or Creamy German Cucumber Salad
• German Green Bean Salad
• Steamed Vegetables

German Geschnetzeltes Recipe

Let’s get started!

Heat the oil in a stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.  When the oil is heated, add the pork, being careful not to overcrowd, and brown it on all sides.  Browning the pork will ensure a rich flavor in the finished sauce.  Transfer the pork to a plate and set aside.

Add the onion to the skillet, adding more oil if necessary, and saute until translucent and beginning to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.

Transfer the onion/mushroom mixture to the pork and set aside.

Melt the butter in the skillet.

Add the flour and whisk until smooth.

Continue to whisk constantly until the mixture darkens.

Continue to cook, whisking continually, until the mixture is a rich caramel brown.

Add the milk and cream and whisk until smooth.  Simmer, continuing to stir, until thickened.

Add the paprika and the beef bouillon base.

Return the pork and mushroom/onion mixture to the sauce.

Add salt and pepper.  Bring it to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve immediately with homemade Spätzle, Semmelknödel, German Potato Dumplings, or hot egg noodles and a fresh green salad.

Enjoy!

For more authentic German recipes be sure to try our:

• Rouladen
• Sauerbraten
• German Goulash
• Käsespätzle
• Swabian Potato Salad
• Senfbraten
• Schnitzel
• Jägerschnitzel 
• Currywurst
• Maultaschen
• German Potato Soup
• Frikadellen
• Flädlesuppe
• Gaisburger Marsch

Originally published on March 26, 2013